TikTok's Two-Ingredient Itch Relief Hack Is Quick And Easy
Camping with your family was a wonderful time this weekend. But you have a few mosquito bites that refuse to let up. And the itch is starting to drive you crazy.
Turning to TikTok might be your saving grace for itch relief. This social media community is full of natural hacks that users have tried for insect bites and eczema. Creator @aribasfoodmood suggests combining coconut oil and lemon juice to relieve itching. While the creator doesn't break down their specific recipe, the video suggests mixing about a half tablespoon of lemon juice with a half tablespoon of coconut oil. It then says to bring the two to a boil and apply a thick layer to the area.
Some commenters have stated that the solution worked to help with their itchy situation. But why does it work? There is a bit of science behind why this TikTok hack helps to get you out of an itchy situation. It's also important to know any side effects you might encounter.
Does lemon juice and coconut oil stop itching?
TikTok isn't known for its medical advice, so it's essential to research your hack before giving it a go. This is especially true since some compounds can have irritating side effects when applied to the skin. But the mixture of lemon juice and coconut oil appears beneficial for itch.
Medical News Today notes that coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that those with eczema use to soothe itch. A 2014 study in the International Journal of Dermatology also found that applying virgin coconut oil to the skin daily for eight weeks was beneficial in improving skin hydration. Additionally, the National Eczema Association stated that coconut oil is full of lauric acid, which is used to make monolaurin, an antimicrobial agent that can fight bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. It can also give your immune system an extra boost due to its antioxidant content.
Not to be outdone by its curative comrade, lemon has several beneficial properties for the skin. Lemon has a high acidic level, which makes it perfect for helping with the inflammation and oil that contribute to acne, states Healthline. It's also full of vitamin C, which helps to heal damaged skin and encourages new collagen. Mixing it with the oil can make the acid more gentle on the skin's surface.
Side effects of TikTok hack ingredients to watch out for
Given the benefits of lemon juice and coconut, the mixture might seem like the perfect combination for an itch that refuses to be scratched. But before you go slathering it on your legs and hoping for the best, lemon juice and coconut oil have a few irritating effects you need to be aware of.
Healthline noted that while lemon juice is beneficial in moderation for your skin, the liquid's acidity can irritate those with sensitive skin. It can also cause dryness and peeling. You might also develop phytophotodermatitis, an inflammatory response to certain plant chemicals (per Medscape). It can lead to a burn-like rash on the skin and even hyperpigmentation.
Michelle Henry, M.D., also said in Good Housekeeping, "While coconut oil has great moisturizing properties, it's not ideal for all skin types." The doctor stated, "Coconut oil is highly comedogenic, which means it can clog your pores and increase the appearance of blackheads, whiteheads and acne." Those with skin prone to be oily might not have as much luck when trying out this TikTok itch hack.
Other easy natural itch remedies to try
Not everyone can use the lemon and coconut combination. Within the comments of TikTok, many reviewers wondered about remedies that didn't include coconut oil due to an allergy. Thankfully, lemon and coconut oil aren't the only home remedies for itchy skin.
Simple remedies include rubbing tea tree or apple cider vinegar on the itch. Research published in 2006 in Clinical Microbiology Reviews showed that tea tree oil contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which might help several types of irritation, including psoriasis. The National Psoriasis Foundation also showed that tea tree oil shampoos have been effective in relieving scalp psoriasis, but use it cautiously. Apple cider vinegar and water also have anecdotal evidence that it can help relieve itch. Medical News Today also showed that the acidity of apple cider vinegar can be helpful in those with eczema due to balancing the skin's acidity levels and reducing inflammation.
TikTok might not be the best place to get medical advice, but it's full of home recipes for itch, many of which work. Try the coconut oil and lemon juice hack to see how well it works to relieve itchy mosquito bites or dermatitis.